Donald with his talented team were warmly welcomed as they took the Symphony stage at 8:20 pm. Fagen armed with a melodica led the group through a colorful version of "Green Flower Street". He greeted the audience as he took his seat at the piano for a funky "New Frontier". Throughout the night lighting was used to enhance the mood of the songs but in most cases Donald let the music speak for itself. "Hey Nineteen" was well received as was the title track from Nightfly which was Fagen's 1980's debut solo album with many of the songs reflecting the cautiously optimistic mood of his suburban childhood in the late 1950s and early 1960s. The certified platinum record touched upon such topics as late-night jazz disc jockeys, fallout shelters, and tropical vacations.

The music legend Donald Fagen was warmly received in Music City.

A four pack of Steel Dan songs had the band soaring on "Bad Sneakers", "Kid Charlemagne", "FM (No Static at All) and "Time Out of Mind". Before the next tune Donald reminisced about Levon Helm's "Midnight Rambles" in Woodstock which inspired them to present their own expansive and experimental cover of the Grateful Dead's "Shakedown Street" (surprise). Back to Steely Dan with a hit that Donald jested was from the Bronze Age - "Dirty Work" is still a timeless tune as were other Steely Dan classics such as "Black Friday", "Peg" and "Josie". The band took some liberty with the catalogue adding their own signature solos to the mix.

Mentioning the big moon event coming Monday the group performed "Countermoon". The set closed with more Steely Dan material including the engaging encore of "Reelin' in the Years". Donald Fagen and the Nightfliers played with steely resolve as they presented Donald's career spanning set. The stars were in line for Fagen as well as an up and coming artist named Adron. Fagen discovered this songstress in Atlanta, Georgia. He asked her to open for him there and liked her so much that he invited Adron to play in Tennessee as well. So Adron's first gig ever in Nashville was at the prestigious Nashville Symphony. One can see why Fagen took note of this animated singer who presented a fine set of quality yet quirky songs about her relationship woes.

The Schermerhorn Symphony Center is a beautifully appointed venue with excellent acoustics. It is home to the acclaimed Nashville Symphony. The Schermerhorn schedule is packed with classical concerts but the hall also features plenty of other types of music such as Donald Fagen and the Nighflyers. Up-coming events include Buddy Guy, Eddie B, John Williams and Tchaikovsky Spectacular.

The beautiful Schermerhorn Symphony Center in the heart of downtown Nashville.

Related Links: For more information on the DONALD FAGEN and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links -- Donald Fagen | Adron | Nashville Symphony